: I am considering an E28 3.5l but am looking for people's views whether, for a little bit extra $, it's worth going for an E34 2.5l. My budget won't allow for an E34 535i. Seems to me the newer 2.5l has as much HP (185 hp) as the E28 3.5l. Not sure about torque. I presume handling on the newer chassis would be superior even to the 'is' version of the E28. How does performance actually compare? What's a reasonable price increment to pay for the '90 525i over an '88 535is (assuming similar mileage)?

I currently own a 90 535I and have also spent a considerable amount of time driving both the E34 525I and E28 535I. Although the E28 is listed as having similar HP to the 525I, I can assure you that it runs neck to neck with my E34 535I every time. The E28 has a more lively feel to it than the E34 body, and feels as if it has considerably more torque as well as acceleration than the 525I. The E34 has a softer, more luxurious ride and refined feel to it; and I love mine-but if I were to do it again, I would seriously reconsider my steps given my experience with the E28 535I after I had already purchased my E34 535. The style of the body is a very personal choice, but once again, I like the large windows,spacious feeling of the interior and livelier feel of the E28 535I vs my E34 535I. To choose between the 525 and older 535, especially since the price will increase by anywhere from 5 to 8 thousand dollars...well, I think you catch my drift. The only thing that I can say is a definite, is that you'll know which is for you after some test drives!!